"I'm Going to Sacrifice": Tristan Thompson Reveals How Rich Paul's Ultimatum Helped LeBron James Win a Championship

Tristan Thompson, like many young NBA players, dreamed of being the star of a championship-winning team. But when that opportunity finally came, he had to accept a different role. Recently, the former Cavaliers big man revealed how a conversation with LeBron James' agent, Rich Paul, helped him embrace that change as Cleveland went on to win a historic NBA championship.

Thompson was Cleveland's No. 4 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and was one of the team's main offensive options until James returned in 2014. It was then that he had to choose between himself and the good of the team.

"Before LeBron came back, I'm averaging 12 and 10," Thompson said. "I'm getting ISOs in the block. I'm going to work. I'm having a good time. But when LeBron comes, he's like, ‘Double T, screen roll, duck in the paint, and guard. Make sure no one scores on you, and we're going to get you everything around the rim.'"

On paper, it's fair. James came back to the side that drafted him in 2003 with one goal in mind: winning the championship. And he had already proved he was a winner and one of the best in the league, having guided the Heat to glory in 2012 and 2013. But for Thompson, taking that back seat was not easy.

At first, Thompson was more fixated on himself than on helping the team. It's only natural that young NBA talent would want to achieve becoming an All-Star at least once in their career.

"As a young guy, you're like, ‘Man, I was just getting started. I'm going to All-Stars and having great nights. I'm playing against Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap and having good nights.' In my head, I'm like, ‘I'm about to be an All-Star. I could be an All-Star."

Thompson then shared how his shared agent with James, Rich Paul, contacted him and reminded him of the possible repercussions if he chooses not to follow in the King's path.

"I remember Rich called me. He said, ‘Double T, it could go two ways. Either you're going to buy into what needs to be done to win a championship, or you might be gone. And once you get moved, you don't know what it's going to look like. You don't know what team you're going to go to."

Ultimately, Thompson made the decision to allow himself to be led by James.

"I said, ‘You know what, I'm going to make the executive decision for my career, and I'm going to sacrifice. I'm going to sit right here and enjoy this ride. And sure enough, it was a good ride."

Because of his willingness to buy into James' and Paul's vision, Thompson helped the Cavaliers win the 2016 NBA championship, averaging an impressive 10.3 points and 10.1 rebounds during the title run. It was also a historic victory, as the Cavaliers came back from a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals, becoming the first team in league history, and still the only one to date, to accomplish the feat.

Thompson, along with players such as Kyrie Irving, JR Smith, and Kevin Love, all played their roles. But it was James' return that sparked the championship run. As Thompson said, it was all about mindset, both on and off the court. Now, with James once again being linked with a return to Cleveland, fans will be hoping history can repeat itself.

Former NBA Star Strongly Believes LeBron James Will Go Back to Cleveland

As of this writing, LeBron James remains the biggest free agent available in the market today. He officially declared that he intends to suit up for another team next season. The next question is where?

Arguably, the most sensible destination for James right now is the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron grew up in Akron, Ohio. He made a name for himself while playing for St. Vincent-St—Mary's High School in Ohio. He was then drafted to the Cavaliers, a team based in the state.

Since entering the league as part of the Cavs, LeBron has slowly marked his territory as Cleveland's poster boy. Going back to the team where it all started to finish his career would be a fitting end.

Former NBA star Jeff Teague shares the same sentiments as many after theorizing why he believes James will end up in Cleveland this free agency.

"He going to be in Cleveland," Teague said on Club 520. "They doing a documentary. It don’t even make sense to be anywhere else. ... Listen, Bron making his decision. Come on, bro, he did it already. He is not documenting the Wizards. It’s going to be perfect with him in Cleveland."

James has yet to make a decision, and the basketball world is eagerly awaiting his next move. While the Cavaliers seem like the obvious choice, several other contenders have also been linked with the King. The next few weeks promise to be among the most intriguing of any NBA offseason in recent years.